A look at the current offensive line on the Los Angeles Rams and what the plan may be for the group in 2026.
The Los Angeles Rams are loaded with talent throughout their roster; however, their most underrated group is by far their offensive line.
The offensive line is arguably the most underappreciated position group in the NFL and in all of sports. They never get the credit they deserve due to their contributions being invisible on the stat sheet, and the fact that they rarely touch the ball.
On top of that, their impact is usually noticed when a mistake is made.
Nonetheless, a strong offensive line could be the difference between winning the Lombardi Trophy and not.
As for the Rams and their offensive line, it is as sturdy and dependable as it can be for superstar quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The health and production of the group will be all the difference in the world for the Rams.
Here is where that room stands ahead of training camp, and some big questions regarding the unit entering the season.
Rams Offensive Linemen on the Roster
Warren McClendon Jr.
McClendon is set to enter his fourth season with the Rams after they drafted him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
He has been one of many picks from that draft class that have blossomed in a big way for the Rams. Pro Football Focus has ranked McClendon among the top 10 offensive tackles overall, mainly due to his elite run-blocking grade.
The 25-year-old is a prime example of why the Rams' offensive line has established itself as one of the top units in the league entering the 2026 season.
Coleman Shelton
Shelton is going into his second season in his second stint with the Rams. His return in 2025 was huge for Los Angeles, as he was incredibly reliable and valuable as a “glue” player for their offensive line.
Although his pass blocking was not up to par, his run blocking was borderline elite, earning a 77.6 run-blocking grade, ranking eighth out of 40 qualified centers.
Shelton’s durability proved to be a massive boost for the Rams (playing in all 17 games, and they’re going to need more of that in 2026.
Alaric Jackson
The situation with Jackson is very much up in the air.
His arrest from early June on suspicion of domestic violence is not what the Rams wanted. While he will not face felony charges, there is a chance that he will now face possible NFL discipline under the personal conduct policy.
His potential absence would be a huge loss for the Rams, considering he is the starting left tackle, which is the most important pass protection piece on the line.
With a little less than a month before the start of training camp, we may not get a definitive answer regarding a suspension till then.
As for his play, the 27-year-old has an overall grade of 82.9 according to PFF, ranking 11th of 89 eligible tackles.
Kevin Dotson
Dotson is arguably the best offensive lineman on the team. He has been elite since arriving in Los Angeles in 2023, consistently grading as one of the best guards in the NFL.
Not only has he been a stellar offensive linemen and durable, but he has also graded out as one of the highest-graded players in the league in fourth quarters and overtime.
Dotson is entering the final year of his current three-year deal, and if he continues to shine, he will be a top priority for the Rams in the 2027 offseason.
Steve Avila
From the moment that Avila stepped onto the scene in 2023, he has been highly reliable and a versatile cornerstone for the Rams.
The 26-year-old is a highly effective starter, putting together impressive stats in his first three seasons in the league.
He is currently eligible for a contract extension, a season before entering the final season of his rookie deal. Avila is one of the handful of players from the 2023 draft class that has proved to be vital.
Additional backups:
David Quessenberry
Justin Dedich
Keagen Trost
AJ Acuri
Austin Blaske
Bryce Henderson
Beaux Limmer
Dylan McMahon
Biggest Offensive Linemen Questions
Could rookie Keagen Trost catapult himself into the starting lineup?
Trost is not your average rookie, coming into the league after seven seasons of college football. If Jackson is out or any other offensive lineman throughout the season, Trost could likely become a swing tackle if need be.
He does not need to be elite, but just functional enough to keep their head above water.
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